Pa. students have a ball sitting in the classroomTeachers in some Pennsylvania districts credit replacing traditional desk chairs with stability balls for the improved performance of students -- a trend backed by studies showing students are more attentive and engaged in learning when sitting on exercise balls. Educators say the balls, which started being used as chairs for students with autism and challenges with attention, allow students to move without being disruptive to the class. The Washington Post/The Associated Press
(2/20)

Ky. teacher lets Hollywood help teach historyChris Gage, a history teacher at South Warren High School in Bowling Green, Ky., uses films ranging from "Gangs of New York" and "Hotel Rwanda" to "Braveheart" and "The Count of Monte Cristo" to help reinforce certain issues such as imperialism, class struggle and racism, while examining where filmmakers take dramatic license and stray from the facts. "The whole idea really is the film stays with students longer than any verbal information I may give them," said Gage, who teaches "Reel History" as an elective for junior and senior students. Daily News (Bowling Green, Ky.)
(2/16)

Calif. district looks inside for professional developmentThe Long Beach, Calif., school district has adopted a training system in which classroom teachers work collaboratively to improve teaching and learning, a shift from outsourcing professional development. "Our system is really invested in building internal capacity," said Jill Baker, the district's assistant superintendent for elementary and K-8, plus chief academic officer. "What that means is teachers become leaders and trainers. We're not bringing someone in from the outside. We're teaching teachers within to go back to their school sites to train others." The Hechinger Report
(2/19)

The International Reading Association presents Comprehension, a freecross-journal virtual issue featuring selected articles from our peer-reviewed journals. See why your peers rely on IRA’s journals to stay up to date on the latest proven teaching strategies. Subscribe to any journal today and an IRA Membership is included!

Technology in the Classroom

How students can maximize the benefits of digital feedbackStudents today are inundated with digital feedback, asserts teacher Kristen Swanson, who shares in this blog post three ways students can maximize the feedback they get. First, she suggests having students lay out a goal for their work beforehand and examine feedback while they review their initial goal. She then suggests setting specific times in which to consider digital feedback and have students consider ways they have adapted to feedback. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education
(2/19)

Colo. could direct more funds to needy schoolsAvailable funding for schools in Colorado would increase and the money would be divided in new ways under a proposal expected to be considered by state lawmakers in the coming weeks. Under a draft of the plan, developed by Sen. Mike Johnston, D-Denver, more funds would go to schools with the greatest needs. However, even if approved by lawmakers, the plan also would require voters to approve a tax increase in November. Education News Colorado
(2/18)

"Shows teachers how to bring history alive within their classrooms...a wonderful resource." —Ken Burns. Take the Journey gives you engaging, classroom-tested lessons focused on the 180-mile National Heritage area from Gettysburg to Monticello. Use the teaching strategies to explore historical places in your own community. Preview the entire book!

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Policy Watch

Calif. district drops health, geography from graduation requirementsThe school board for Temecula Valley Unified School District in California voted Tuesday to immediately halt requirements that students take health and geography courses to graduate from high school. The courses still will be offered as electives, but officials say eliminating them as requirements will free up more time for students to participate in band, International Baccalaureate, student government and other programs. Critics, however, are concerned that students will not be exposed to important health information. The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, Calif.) (free registration)
(2/19)

SmartReport on EdTech: The Back-to-School IssueSmartReport on EdTech is your back-to-school guide for all things education technology. Read about the highlights and takeaways from this year's ISTE Conference; find out what's keeping educators up at night; 5 tips for developing VR content creators; plus all of the latest innovative edtech products. Read it here.

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Faculty Lounge

Key teachers' unions merge in 5 statesBranches of the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers have merged in five states, following the recent decision by members in North Dakota to do so. Other states in which mergers have taken place are Florida, Minnesota, Montana and New York with several districts, including Los Angeles, following suit, while Wisconsin is moving toward joining the list. Union leaders say the mergers are driven in part by a desire for educators to speak with one united voice on issues. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
(2/20)

The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Experience a primary classroom where literacy learning goes hand-in-hand with amazing thinking about social issues, inquiry, and working together toward common goals. Many Texts, Many Voices shows you how to incorporate multiliteracies—digital, visual, and critical—with sample lessons, text sets, rubrics, and more. Preview the entire book!

FREE SDE webinar for administrators! 5 Steps to Common Core Success: What Every Administrator Needs to Know. Join CCSS expert Katie McKnight, Ph.D. for information that clearly articulates how the CCSS are different, and the five steps for successful transition to this paradigm. Monday, March 18, 2013 - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM EDT. Learn more and register here. 1-800-462-1478.

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ASCD News

Education for the 21st century: Creating a climate of success for all studentsStop by the Inservice blog for a preview of Freeman A. Hrabowski III's Annual Conference session, scheduled for Saturday, March 16. From his unique vantage point as President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, a position he's held since 1992, Hrabowski will discuss how the school transformed campus culture and produced exemplary academic programs. "I will be emphasizing the important role that all of us must play as leaders in setting a tone that encourages creativity and support, and establishes high standards for all students." Read on.

Hour-long ASCD webinars hosted by education thought leadersDo you want to explore the value of feedback over grades or get tips on how to teach students to be well spoken in the classroom and beyond? Sign up for our free expert-led ASCD webinars to delve into these topics, and many others. Visit the ASCD webinar page to browse our main lineup and be sure to check out upcoming episodes in the Get to the Core series. You'll also find previously recorded webinars in the ASCD webinar archive, available day and night.